With the steady sounds of construction vehicles humming in the background, Gregory-Portland ISD officials hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the district’s new East Cliff Elementary School Monday.

Stoddard Construction Management is building the facility, which will cost $16 million. Superintendent Dr. Paul Clore said a committee formed to advocate the project during a bond election was instrumental in the school’s creation.

“This wouldn’t have been possible if we would not have had a bond committee to work with the community,” Clore said.

WKMC Architects Vice President Bill Wilson said construction crews are currently installing structural piers into the facility’s foundation.

“There are 400 piers that are going to be going in, and 75 percent of those are in the ground,” Wilson said.

Most of the school’s utility work is done, Wilson said.

“The main water and sewer lines are in,” he added. “They’re well ahead of schedule.”

The school’s construction will be complete by summer 2015, which will give officials ample time to prepare the school for the upcoming fall semester.

“Contractually, they have to be complete by July 1,” Wilson said. “That gives the district six to eight weeks to get ready.”